Herbology

Herbal medicines are an integral part of Ayurveda.
Far from a folk remedy, these plants provide profound and deep healing. In fact, some doctors will tell you that all chemically-derived medications are simply trying to mimic what plants can already do.

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Plants are the O.G. pharmaceuticals

Generally speaking, herbal medicines are made from all or some of a plant: the roots, flowers, seeds, twigs, branches, and/or leaves. With some plants, we use just one part (for example, chamomile flowers) and others we use the whole plant, kit and caboodle (for example, shankhapushpi uses the entire plant, from the roots to the flowers). After the plant is harvested, whichever part is being used gets dried out, typically by just hanging it upside down.

After the plant is dried, it either gets chopped up into smaller pieces (for some uses) or gets put into a very powerful grinder and made into a powder (for other uses).

Herbs can be made into capsules, churnas, tinctures, teas, and medicated oils and ghees. Depending on what area of the body we want to target, your skilled practitioner gets to choose which method of administration would be the best medicine for you.

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This is not one-size-fits-all medicine

Powders are used in capsules and churnas, while whole plant parts are used in teas, tinctures and medicated ghees. All the herbs used in Thunderbolt Ayurveda’s medicines are organic or wild harvested from sustainable sources. We use only vegetarian capsules and grass-fed, organic ghee. Medicines are hand-made for you and shipped directly to your home.

There are absolutely no additives, preservatives or other unwanted stuff in your medicine.

When under the care of a qualified health professional, this means that herbs can frequently and effectively be used alongside Western medications with no harmful interactions.

Get to know some of Thunderbolt’s favorite herbs

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figure 1.

Shankhapushpi

(latin) Evolvulus alsinoides-Folium(sanskrit) sankhapuspi

_Shankhapushpi is a classic and auspicious Ayurvedic herb used to effectively calm the nervous system, among other things. It works directly on the nervous system tissue, addressing pain, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, emotional exhaustion and epilepsy. It also stimulates our higher cerebral functions, improving intelligence and creativity.

PART USED:

DOSHA EFFECT:

TISSUES AFFECTED:

ACTIONS:

TYPICAL PREPARATION:

powdered in capsules or cooked into ghee

figure 2.

Cumin

(latin) Cuminum cyminum-Semen(sanskrit) Jiraka

_Cumin is one of Thunderbolt Ayurveda’s absolute favorite herbs. There is no better medicine for a sluggish digestion accompanied by gurgling, bloating, and / or nausea. When used appropriately, it enkindles healthy digestive fire without aggravating hyperacidity or inflammation, making it a perfect choice for a digestive system plagued by excess fluid or “toxins.”

PART USED:

DOSHA EFFECT:

TISSUES AFFECTED:

ACTIONS:

TYPICAL PREPARATION:

powdered in capsules; left whole in a tea; eaten whole

figure 3.

Rose

(latin) Rosa centifolia/damascena-Flos(Sanskrit) Sata-patri

_This beautiful flower is not just for lovers externally, it also has an affinity for the heart (nerves and blood) internally. Its cooling effect treats agitation and headaches, while its nourishing aspects make it useful medicine for anxiety and nervous depression. Rose carries an astringent property that stops bleeding, making it especially effective in excessive menstrual bleeding and inflammation. We <3 Rose.

DOSHA EFFECT:

TISSUES AFFECTED:

ACTIONS:

TYPICAL PREPARATION:

powdered in capsules; left whole in a tea; made into rosewater or rose jam; cooked into a medicated oil; used as an essential oil

figure 4.

Ashwagandha

(latin) Withania somnifera-Radix
(Sanskrit) asva-gandha

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One of the most famous and revered Ayurvedic herbs, and for good reason, Ashwagandha is a sedative and a nervous system tonic all in one. You know how when you are especially exhausted and depleted, you can behave almost manically hyper and energized? This is the herb that strengthens your exhausted nervous system while simultaneously calming you down. It’s also pretty well known for its impact on sexual stamina; it’s said to impart the sexual stamina of a horse. Just in case that sort of thing interests you.

DOSHA EFFECT:

TISSUES AFFECTED:

ACTIONS:

TYPICAL PREPARATION:

powdered in capsules and churnas; cooked into a medicated ghee; cooked into medicated massage oils

figure 5.

Shilajit

(latin) Asphaltum
(sanskrit) sila-jit

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Technically not a plant, Shilajit is a mineral pitch from the rocks of the Himalayas and other mountainous regions and one of the wonder medicines of Ayurveda. It possesses curative powers capable of treating many, many diseases, especially those associated with old age. It is of particular importance to the kidney, urinary, and reproductive systems and thus excellent for diabetes, obesity, edema, kidney stones, and menstrual disorders. Truly a unique and magical medicine.

PART USED:

resin

DOSHA EFFECT:

VK – P + (in excess)

TISSUES AFFECTED:

comprehensive tissue affect

ACTIONS:

diuretic, lithotriptic, anti-diabetic, nervine, tonic

TYPICAL PREPARATION:

ground and put in capsules

figure 6.

Frankincense

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Most famous for its use as an incense in religious ceremonies, Frankincense offers a boatload of promising medicinal uses, too. It is one of the best pain relievers, particularly for arthritic pain or trauma recovery where there is inflammation. It clears toxic congestion and stagnation from joints and tissues, making it an excellent choice for the treatment of RA, asthma, colitis, fibroids, painful menstrual cycles, and impotence. And the essential oil expands consciousness, opening the third eye chakra and opening the mind.